Question 1

how do you treat wounds from filariasis?

Accepted Answer

Filariasis treatment: Filariasis is a parasitic disease caused by an infection with certain microscopic worms. These are spread by blood-feeding black flies and mosquitoes. The first step in treating the wounds from this type of infection is killing those worms. Then, routine wound care should lead to healing. Of course, there may be structural damage to the host (i.e. lymphatics) which could cause problems in healing.

Question 2

what is the best treatment for filariasis?

Accepted Answer

Outside the US: Albendazole + ivermectin.

Question 3

can lymphatic filariasis recur?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Filariasis is a tropical disease caused by a parasite that is acquired from the bite of an infected mosquito.  Treatment may not completely clear the body of the parasite.  Getting bitten by another infected mosquito will start the process anew.  Filariasis is not endemic to the United States. Look it up in wikipedia.  Interesting disease.

Question 4

is lymphatic filariasis serious condition?

Accepted Answer

Yes: This condition, also known as onchocerciasis or elephantiasis, causes obstruction of the lymphatic drainage with subsequent swelling of the limb involved.  The limbs can get huge to a handicapping level.  So this is a serious condition.

Question 5

can a person with filariasis still donate blood?

Accepted Answer

Maybe: Filaria large are not transmitted by blood and so it is not an automatic disqualification. It will be up to the medical director of the blood service to make a determination as to the eligibility for donation.

Question 6

what is the definition or description of: lymphatic filariasis?

Accepted Answer

Lymphatic filariasis: Lymphatic filariasis is a tropical disease which is spread by mosquitoes.   It is caused by a parasite called  Brugia malayi. It can cause massive lymphedema &amp; elephantiasis. See:  https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/lymphaticfilariasis/

Question 7

is it possible to have had lymphatic filariasis for 23 years and only begin showing severe symptoms in the last 3 years?

Accepted Answer

: Yes, it is possible and venous insufficiency may contribute to the severity when you get older.

Question 8

what do you suggest if my dad is suffering from filariasis, he is 70 year old,can alb 400mg with dec 6 mg/kg be used for.?

Accepted Answer

Filariasis: Check out http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/lymphaticfilariasis/treatment.html &amp; http://www.who.int/topics/filariasis/en/. It appears that Diethylcarbamazine (DEC) is the drug of choice but no longer approved for use in States b/c filariasis is so rare. Your dad will need to send confirmatory testing to CDC in order to obtain DEC. Be ware that treatment w/DEC will not reduce/improve lymphedema changes.

Question 9

why does filariasis infection only occur after multiple mosquito bites?

Accepted Answer

Interesting: Filariasis is a tropical disease caused by a parasite that is acquired from the bite of an infected mosquito.  Treatment may not completely clear the body of the parasite.  Getting bitten by another infected mosquito will start the process anew.  Filariasis is not endemic to the United States. Look it up in wikipedia.  Interesting disease.

Question 10

please doc, can swollen feet be a symptom of filariasis even without any form of itching on the body? thanks

Accepted Answer

It might, but: With filiariasis you can get a lymphatic obstruction that leads to typically massive peripheral edema of the arms and/or feet. A blood test can be helpful in ruling this out, but if the swelling is just in the feet and not too bad the probability is likely low. If it worsens, do see a doctor.

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Doctor answers about:

Filariasis drugs

A member asked:

How do you treat wounds from filariasis?

A member asked:

What is the best treatment for filariasis?

A member asked:

Can lymphatic filariasis recur?

A member asked:

Is lymphatic filariasis serious condition?

A member asked:

Can a person with filariasis still donate blood?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: lymphatic filariasis?

A member asked:

Is it possible to have had lymphatic filariasis for 23 years and only begin showing severe symptoms in the last 3 years?

A member asked:

What do you suggest if my dad is suffering from filariasis, he is 70 year old,can alb 400mg with dec 6 mg/kg be used for.?

A member asked:

Why does filariasis infection only occur after multiple mosquito bites?

A member asked:

Please doc, can swollen feet be a symptom of filariasis even without any form of itching on the body? thanks

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